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World Wildlife Fund’s U.S. Headquarters Awarded USGBC National Capital Region LEED for Existing Buildings Project of the Year

Published Date : 7/22/2016

The U.S. Green Building Council National Capital Region (USBGC NCR) has recognized World Wildlife Fund’s U.S. headquarters, located in Washington, DC, as the LEED for Existing Buildings Project of the Year. The award was presented to World Wildlife Fund and the Cushman & Wakefield Sustainability and Property Management teams at a recent awards ceremony.

“World Wildlife Fund’s vision and dedication to improving both the built environment and our natural ecosystems was paramount to our success in this project,” said Katie Ross, Senior Project Manager at Cushman & Wakefield. “It was a joy to work with such a driven and innovative partner on this LEED Platinum Recertification project and we are thrilled to receive recognition from the USGBC for the project’s success.”

WWF’s U.S. headquarters, located at 1250 24th Street NW in Washington, DC, is designed to support WWF’s environmental mission, with a focus on efficient resource use, protecting natural habitat and creating a positive work environment. In 2015, WWF engaged Cushman & Wakefield’s Sustainability Services team to oversee the LEED for Existing Buildings (LEED EB) recertification process. As part of the LEED EB process, Cushman & Wakefield completed an ASHRAE Level II energy audit whose recommendations projected an annual savings of 98,083 kWh and $14,812. By incorporating the audit report’s recommendations into operations, the building’s ENERGY STAR score has risen to 86 since 2015 (as of June 2016).

In an effort to reduce water consumption, WWF retrofitted the building’s water fixtures resulting in water savings of 35.7% below the LEED baseline usage. WWF improved its recycling and composting programs and is currently diverting over 70% of its waste from the landfill each month. WWF also partnered with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and others to complete a deal that protects 667 acres in the North Unit of Badlands Park, which will be used to help expand habitat for bison and other wildlife.

WWF’s underground parking garage offers space designated for bicycles and electric vehicles, and a Capital Bikeshare station is located just outside the building’s main entrance. WWF also operates a shuttle to the closest Metrorail stations during rush hour. Its “Panda Friday” program also offers WWF employees flexibility to work a compressed workweek to reduce commuting-related GHG emissions. By using these options, the building demonstrated a 76.2% reduction in conventional commuting. Additionally, the green roof at the WWF headquarters is one of the largest green roofs in Washington, DC, and provides storm water runoff mitigation and improved habitat for occupants and wildlife alike.
Achieving the LEED Platinum recertification at World Wildlife Fund’s headquarters both affirms and drives forward WWF’s environmental mission and action driven culture.